From ancient journeys to modern return: Jewish connection to Israel
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For millennia, Jews around the world have maintained a connection to the Land of Israel, even while living in exile.
Terah, Abraham’s father, felt a pull towards Canaan long before embracing monotheism, demonstrating an early instinctive attachment to the homeland. This historical longing resurfaced in the 19th century as nationalism rose in Europe, offering Jews a way to identify with their people and history alongside religious practice.
As Jews gained freedoms through Emancipation, many drifted away from traditional religious observance, threatening their identity. This prompted the rise of secular Zionism, a movement that offered Jews a national identity centered on a return to their ancestral land. The modern State of Israel now serves as a central anchor for Jewish identity, highlighted by the outpouring of support following the events of October 7th and the concurrent rise of anti-Zionism.
The author reflects on their mother’s journey to Israel, not driven by lifelong Zionist ideals, but by a desire to be close to her children and grandchildren. This illustrates that while motivations vary, the path to Israel, and a sense of belonging, remains open to Jews through many different routes, whether guided by faith, ideology, or family love.
